My sisters & brothers, how do we respond to the love God expresses in the birth of Jesus?
Our Gospel tonight is the Nativity story and Luke is concerned to place Jesus in the time-line of history, as a real human being; placing his berth in the context of major event. It is possible that Judea was included in a census of 8-7 BC, “the first registration.” From Matthew we know that Herod the Great sought to kill Jesus by slaughtering all children aged two or less. Because Herod died in 4 BC, Jesus was born no later than 6 BC. The dating between Luke and Matthew is pretty close considering that birth records were not kept in those days.
Jesus is treated like any other newborn of the time: he is wrapped in cloths, but there may be a message in his being born in “a manger” and there are many interpretations circulating among Christian writers. At the very least it testifies to the low statues of Jesus’ family. Luke moves on to underline the point by describing the lowly shepherds as being the only ones who the pronouncement by the angels.
Traditionally, the Christian feast day we refer to as Christmas is also call “The Incarnation,” i.e., God entering human flesh in the person Jesus. It reflects the Christological doctrine that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Mary is God’s chosen assistant, for this blessed union of God and humanity.
There is a modern Christmas hymn by Peter McCann called “The Star” which puts it beautifully. The lyrics can be found here.
In this hymn, we see a poetic description for what incarnation means. The all powerful Creator takes on the experience of human vulnerability. A helpless child of poor travelers, yet with greater potential than any would guess.
If one is open to God and seeking goodness in life then Jesus’ simple birth can bring a spiritual light to your very soul.
My sisters and brothers, the bottom line of the Christmas story is a question of faith: “will you embrace the belief that God loves you enough to share your human pains and joys? That is, in Jesus the Christ, God will bring you healing & renewed life – if you accept it. This is the core message of the Christmas mystery!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Homily for 4th Sunday of Advent, 2009
My sisters & brothers let us follow the example of our ancestors in faith and diligently serve the Lord.
From the prophet Micah we heard another proclamation of the coming of the Messiah! Micah wrote at a time when the Assyrian army had invaded the kingdom of Israel, and when corruption was rife in Judah. The rich cheated and robbed the poor; priests and prophets adapted their words to suit their audiences. In 701 BC, Jerusalem was besieged and Judah also became a vassal state of Assyria. In this context the prophet tells us that a time will come when a ruler will arise from the Ephrathah clan of the tribe of Judah (Ephrathah being the area round Bethlehem); he will “rule in Israel” and will be of ancient lineage. David being from Bethlehem, people understood the lineage to be his. By the time of Jesus, it was understood that this figure was the Messiah, the ideal future king, who would bring misery to an end and usher in God’s glorious kingdom.
In our Hebrews reading, we hear that Christ came to abolish the old order (Old Covenant) and to establish a new order. Quoting Psalm 40, the author explains that God prefers obedience to sacrifices: doing God’s will is what counts. He lists the four types of sacrifice offered in the Temple, according to Mosaic “law.” Jesus, he says, came to do away with “the first” (the sacrificial system) and to inaugurate “the second” (the self-offering of Jesus himself). It is “by God’s will,” carried out through Christ, that we have been “sanctified.”
Finally, from Luke we glimpse Mary visiting Elizabeth, They recognizing the hand of God working in each other’s lives.
Earlier, an angel has appeared to Zechariah in the Temple, and later Mary. Zechariah has been told that his wife Elizabeth will bear a child in her old age; Mary has heard that she will bear a son to be called Jesus and “Son of the Most High God.” God will make him a king of David’s line; he will rule Israel for ever.
Now Mary visits her “relative” Elizabeth. In telling us that “the child leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb, Luke intends us to understand that John recognizes his Lord. Elizabeth’s reaction, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is to praise Mary.
Both of these great women, Mary and Elizabeth, are a powerful example of accepting one’s calling from God and carrying that out with love and diligence; being a collaborator with God. Mary in particular became a larger than life figure that many generations of Christians have looked to with awe. Irenaeus called her the New Eve, Mother of a new order in God’s plan. Council of Ephesus (431) declared her Theotokos, Mother of God. This is a reflection of her role in bringing the union of God and humanity that we believe took place in Jesus: that he is fully human and fully Divine.
But, we must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be one of God’s collaborators; to give of our lives to help bring about the blessed plans of our Creator? For Mary it was an unusual pregnancy and the raising of an unusual child. For Elizabeth, it was similar. What does it mean for you, in 2010, in Sierra Vista?
From the prophet Micah we heard another proclamation of the coming of the Messiah! Micah wrote at a time when the Assyrian army had invaded the kingdom of Israel, and when corruption was rife in Judah. The rich cheated and robbed the poor; priests and prophets adapted their words to suit their audiences. In 701 BC, Jerusalem was besieged and Judah also became a vassal state of Assyria. In this context the prophet tells us that a time will come when a ruler will arise from the Ephrathah clan of the tribe of Judah (Ephrathah being the area round Bethlehem); he will “rule in Israel” and will be of ancient lineage. David being from Bethlehem, people understood the lineage to be his. By the time of Jesus, it was understood that this figure was the Messiah, the ideal future king, who would bring misery to an end and usher in God’s glorious kingdom.
In our Hebrews reading, we hear that Christ came to abolish the old order (Old Covenant) and to establish a new order. Quoting Psalm 40, the author explains that God prefers obedience to sacrifices: doing God’s will is what counts. He lists the four types of sacrifice offered in the Temple, according to Mosaic “law.” Jesus, he says, came to do away with “the first” (the sacrificial system) and to inaugurate “the second” (the self-offering of Jesus himself). It is “by God’s will,” carried out through Christ, that we have been “sanctified.”
Finally, from Luke we glimpse Mary visiting Elizabeth, They recognizing the hand of God working in each other’s lives.
Earlier, an angel has appeared to Zechariah in the Temple, and later Mary. Zechariah has been told that his wife Elizabeth will bear a child in her old age; Mary has heard that she will bear a son to be called Jesus and “Son of the Most High God.” God will make him a king of David’s line; he will rule Israel for ever.
Now Mary visits her “relative” Elizabeth. In telling us that “the child leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb, Luke intends us to understand that John recognizes his Lord. Elizabeth’s reaction, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is to praise Mary.
Both of these great women, Mary and Elizabeth, are a powerful example of accepting one’s calling from God and carrying that out with love and diligence; being a collaborator with God. Mary in particular became a larger than life figure that many generations of Christians have looked to with awe. Irenaeus called her the New Eve, Mother of a new order in God’s plan. Council of Ephesus (431) declared her Theotokos, Mother of God. This is a reflection of her role in bringing the union of God and humanity that we believe took place in Jesus: that he is fully human and fully Divine.
But, we must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be one of God’s collaborators; to give of our lives to help bring about the blessed plans of our Creator? For Mary it was an unusual pregnancy and the raising of an unusual child. For Elizabeth, it was similar. What does it mean for you, in 2010, in Sierra Vista?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2009
My brothers and sisters let us enjoy the closeness of Christmas and share our joy with those in need.
In our reading form Zephaniah we again we see the theme of rejoicing at the restoration and redemption given by of the Lord! The prophet himself tells us that he is descended from Hezekiah, most likely the king who ruled Judah 715-687 BCE. His intimate knowledge of Jerusalem and affairs in the court, and the absence of a theme found in other prophetic books - denunciation of the king - suggest that he was of royal descent. He also tells us that his ministry began in the reign of King Josiah, the great reformer. But his denunciation of corruption in religious affairs suggests that his prophecies date from before the reforms of 621 BCE.
Earlier in the chapter, the Zephaniah has spoken of Jerusalem (her inhabitants) and their crimes: they have failed to listen to God, accept his advice, trust in him and draw near to him. Now he invites Jerusalem to rejoice because her salvation is about to happen. God has intervened; He dwells with His people and protects them.
In our reading from Philippians we have yet more cause for rejoicing. These closing lines are the conventional Greek salutation (like our goodbye) but here Paul means “rejoice” literally. Paul expects the Second Coming soon: “The Lord is near.” Therefore, rather than worrying on their own, the Philippians should ask God to help them, through prayer, both in prayers of “supplication” (petition) and of “thanksgiving.” God’s “peace” will protect them against their own failings and external threats. It “surpasses all understanding” either by being beyond the grasp of the human mind or by achieving more than we can conceive.
In our gospel story we saw John the Baptist continuing his ministry. He exhorts all to conversion of conduct, not just heart, giving practical advice and promising the arrival of the “Great One.”
John addresses the people in general and calls them “vipers” (poisonous snakes) and accuses them of being baptized with no intention of starting a new, ethical, life. If they think that by being baptized they will evade God’s judgment at the end of the era, they are wrong: they must also turn to godliness. Luke gives us three examples of behavior which fit with turning over a new leaf. The “crowds” are probably ordinary people; they should have selfless concern for the disadvantaged. In spite of attempted reforms, “tax collectors” still collected more than prescribed; they are to stop gouging the people. The “soldiers” were probably Jews in the service of Herod Antipas; they too were despised by the populace for various abuses. John tells them that they should follow the emperor’s guidelines on military conduct.
This is defiantly "Rejoice Sunday." Years ago the violet or purple color of the vestments was altered for one day to a rose color. This is the Sunday the pink candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. Children (with their building excitement for Christmas) help us be excited in anticipation of something special. The dictionary offers some rather startling definitions for the word "rejoice": clap, shout, exult, festivity. All words used to help describe rejoicing. For many people, this season brings a great deal of hectic activity; I am certainly one of them. Although much of it is oriented toward the celebration of Christmas, we tend to forget that rejoicing is supposed to flow from a singular reason: the Lord Jesus. "Rejoice in the Lord always!" That is the advice of Saint Paul. As the season of Advent moves closer to Christmas, perhaps we need to remember these words and be less frantic about all the other preparations and more prayerful.
In our reading form Zephaniah we again we see the theme of rejoicing at the restoration and redemption given by of the Lord! The prophet himself tells us that he is descended from Hezekiah, most likely the king who ruled Judah 715-687 BCE. His intimate knowledge of Jerusalem and affairs in the court, and the absence of a theme found in other prophetic books - denunciation of the king - suggest that he was of royal descent. He also tells us that his ministry began in the reign of King Josiah, the great reformer. But his denunciation of corruption in religious affairs suggests that his prophecies date from before the reforms of 621 BCE.
Earlier in the chapter, the Zephaniah has spoken of Jerusalem (her inhabitants) and their crimes: they have failed to listen to God, accept his advice, trust in him and draw near to him. Now he invites Jerusalem to rejoice because her salvation is about to happen. God has intervened; He dwells with His people and protects them.
In our reading from Philippians we have yet more cause for rejoicing. These closing lines are the conventional Greek salutation (like our goodbye) but here Paul means “rejoice” literally. Paul expects the Second Coming soon: “The Lord is near.” Therefore, rather than worrying on their own, the Philippians should ask God to help them, through prayer, both in prayers of “supplication” (petition) and of “thanksgiving.” God’s “peace” will protect them against their own failings and external threats. It “surpasses all understanding” either by being beyond the grasp of the human mind or by achieving more than we can conceive.
In our gospel story we saw John the Baptist continuing his ministry. He exhorts all to conversion of conduct, not just heart, giving practical advice and promising the arrival of the “Great One.”
John addresses the people in general and calls them “vipers” (poisonous snakes) and accuses them of being baptized with no intention of starting a new, ethical, life. If they think that by being baptized they will evade God’s judgment at the end of the era, they are wrong: they must also turn to godliness. Luke gives us three examples of behavior which fit with turning over a new leaf. The “crowds” are probably ordinary people; they should have selfless concern for the disadvantaged. In spite of attempted reforms, “tax collectors” still collected more than prescribed; they are to stop gouging the people. The “soldiers” were probably Jews in the service of Herod Antipas; they too were despised by the populace for various abuses. John tells them that they should follow the emperor’s guidelines on military conduct.
This is defiantly "Rejoice Sunday." Years ago the violet or purple color of the vestments was altered for one day to a rose color. This is the Sunday the pink candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. Children (with their building excitement for Christmas) help us be excited in anticipation of something special. The dictionary offers some rather startling definitions for the word "rejoice": clap, shout, exult, festivity. All words used to help describe rejoicing. For many people, this season brings a great deal of hectic activity; I am certainly one of them. Although much of it is oriented toward the celebration of Christmas, we tend to forget that rejoicing is supposed to flow from a singular reason: the Lord Jesus. "Rejoice in the Lord always!" That is the advice of Saint Paul. As the season of Advent moves closer to Christmas, perhaps we need to remember these words and be less frantic about all the other preparations and more prayerful.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Homily for 2nd Sunday of Advent "C"
In our reading from Baruch we hear the call for celebration as God brings back the exiles and reestablishes the glory of the Jerusalem. This book is set in the time of the Exile, when some the people had been deported to Babylon and others had dispersed around the Mediterranean. The author speaks to Jerusalem as if it were a person. It is time to remove mourning attire, to don forever splendid garments given by God, guarantees and symbols of harmony, security and prosperity. From now on, Jerusalem will be a place where justice and peace prevail and where God’s glory will be seen.
In our second reading Paul rejoices in the authentic faith of the Philippians. He prays that they may be overflowing in Christian knowledge and discernment so that they may be pure and blameless on the final day. The tone of joyful prayer is a pervasive quality of the whole letter. Paul further expresses his confidence that God will finish what God has begun among them.
In our gospel story John the Baptist begins his ministry (that is) his role in God’s plan. He announces the time of redemption is at hand. As did classical Greek authors, Luke places John’s ministry in the context of rulers, here both secular and religious. This gives us a rather precise date for Jesus’ life and the begging of his ministry, i.e. 26-29 AD. The Greek translated “the word of God came” is the same as in Jeremiah. Luke sees John as continuing the role of the prophets; announcing judgment at the end of the era and a new pact with God, available to all.
As we look at John’s proclamation that the Kingdom is at hand, we must also look at what it means for us 21st century Christians to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Like John (and the Philippians Paul is so proud of) it means that we must step up to the role God has called us to fulfill. In general terms it’s easy to talk about:
· Feed the hungry
· Cloth the naked
· Teach the uneducated
· Visit the sick
Personally it’s about each of us taking the time to listen to God’s voice in our lives. Putting aside time to get involved and try various ministries on for size. One will ultimately finding that right fit that uses our talents in a way that we can feel good about. In this way we can make a contribution of our time and talents to the Kingdom of God!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
More on Sexuality and Ordained Ministry
Lest we think that the conflicts revolving around the ordination of practicing homosexual persons is simply a matter of Canada and the U.S. verses the world - Thinking Anglicans and Inclusive Church, both based in Great Brittion as far as I know, have furthered the conversation in there own way.
Thinking Anglicans can be found here! and Inclusive Church here!
In particular, Inclusive Church has compiled two statments in response to the letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury last August, entitled Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future. The Arcbhishop's letter was largely a response to the actions of The Episcopal Church's recent General Convention. (You'll find links in my earlier posts). These responses express grave concern about the content and implications of the Archbishop's statements. They were written after consultation and are intended to reflect a variety of responses to the Archbishop’s paper.
The short version is here and The full document is here - both in pdf.
Clearly this is not the simple matter of one or two churches of the Anglican Communion moving forward with our due consult with the other churches. Its also about churches, exemplify by the Church of England, ignoring the concerns of their own membership.
Any thoughts?
Thinking Anglicans can be found here! and Inclusive Church here!
In particular, Inclusive Church has compiled two statments in response to the letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury last August, entitled Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future. The Arcbhishop's letter was largely a response to the actions of The Episcopal Church's recent General Convention. (You'll find links in my earlier posts). These responses express grave concern about the content and implications of the Archbishop's statements. They were written after consultation and are intended to reflect a variety of responses to the Archbishop’s paper.
The short version is here and The full document is here - both in pdf.
Clearly this is not the simple matter of one or two churches of the Anglican Communion moving forward with our due consult with the other churches. Its also about churches, exemplify by the Church of England, ignoring the concerns of their own membership.
Any thoughts?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, 2009
My brothers & sisters, redemption is here and available in Christ.
Our first lesson from Jeremiah comes from the time when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. In bad times, the prophet told of God’s love for his people. Today’s passage was edited or written centuries later. We hear that it is a certainty that a time will come when God will complete His promises. That is what we heard about God restoring both the people of Israel and the linage of David.
I our second reading, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians and looks forward to seeing them again. When he was in Thessalonica, he had predicted that some Christians there would be persecuted. This has now happened; he has sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them for the sake of your faith, so no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Timothy has now returned to Paul in Athens, and has conveyed to him that the Thessalonians are strong. Indeed, their faith has encouraged Paul in facing persecution himself.
Paul in turn prays for them:
• that he may visit them again
• that they may have a superabundance of love for their fellow Christians and for all;
• that their very beings (hearts) may become so God-like (so holy) that they may be totally free of sin when Christ comes again.
In our reading from Luke, we again see Jesus predicting his second coming. The end will be delayed: the killing and deportation of citizens will continue “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” i.e., until non-Jews have had the opportunity to come to Christ. In spite of the delay, the era will end before all those alive now have died. Obviously Luke misunderstood how soon Jesus would return. But, we do still look for that day.
Today we begin the season of Advent. It is the season of preparation and anticipation of the anniversary of Christ’s coming into our world. However it is not just for the retelling of that story. More importantly, it is preparation for the return of the Messiah in glory. There is an understanding amongst disciples of Jesus from the first century through to the present day; that the Messiah’s first appearance was to reopen the door for us to have individual relationships with our Creator.
From our gospel today we are given a message that I believe many Christians miss. “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Rather than take this to heart we generally fear Christ’s return. Some of this is rooted in our natural fear of the unknown; some in the outrageous imagery of Revelations and the battle of Armageddon; some of it is shear morbid fascination. We have such a fascination that the movie industry even makes huge “end off the world” productions. An easy example is the movie about the prediction of the Mayan calendar that the world will end in 2012.
But the Gospel message is not strictly about things that one should fear. It is also about triumph; the vindication of believers; the end of evil and suffering and finally, the restoration of our ideal relationship with our Creator. Not exactly something to be frightened about. Yes we do want to be ready, not caught in our personal sinfulness. But that is not a frightening proposition either. We have in Christ the maximum richness of forgiveness. Let’s face it, our generation may be more technological than any before it. But we have not come up with any sins that Christ has not seen and heard before. Let us not shy from seeking and enjoying His forgiveness. Let us look forward to celebrating the anniversary of his first coming this Christmas and let us look forward to his return. Doing our part as we are called and trusting Christ for all the things that are beyond us.
Our first lesson from Jeremiah comes from the time when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. In bad times, the prophet told of God’s love for his people. Today’s passage was edited or written centuries later. We hear that it is a certainty that a time will come when God will complete His promises. That is what we heard about God restoring both the people of Israel and the linage of David.
I our second reading, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians and looks forward to seeing them again. When he was in Thessalonica, he had predicted that some Christians there would be persecuted. This has now happened; he has sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them for the sake of your faith, so no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Timothy has now returned to Paul in Athens, and has conveyed to him that the Thessalonians are strong. Indeed, their faith has encouraged Paul in facing persecution himself.
Paul in turn prays for them:
• that he may visit them again
• that they may have a superabundance of love for their fellow Christians and for all;
• that their very beings (hearts) may become so God-like (so holy) that they may be totally free of sin when Christ comes again.
In our reading from Luke, we again see Jesus predicting his second coming. The end will be delayed: the killing and deportation of citizens will continue “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” i.e., until non-Jews have had the opportunity to come to Christ. In spite of the delay, the era will end before all those alive now have died. Obviously Luke misunderstood how soon Jesus would return. But, we do still look for that day.
Today we begin the season of Advent. It is the season of preparation and anticipation of the anniversary of Christ’s coming into our world. However it is not just for the retelling of that story. More importantly, it is preparation for the return of the Messiah in glory. There is an understanding amongst disciples of Jesus from the first century through to the present day; that the Messiah’s first appearance was to reopen the door for us to have individual relationships with our Creator.
From our gospel today we are given a message that I believe many Christians miss. “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Rather than take this to heart we generally fear Christ’s return. Some of this is rooted in our natural fear of the unknown; some in the outrageous imagery of Revelations and the battle of Armageddon; some of it is shear morbid fascination. We have such a fascination that the movie industry even makes huge “end off the world” productions. An easy example is the movie about the prediction of the Mayan calendar that the world will end in 2012.
But the Gospel message is not strictly about things that one should fear. It is also about triumph; the vindication of believers; the end of evil and suffering and finally, the restoration of our ideal relationship with our Creator. Not exactly something to be frightened about. Yes we do want to be ready, not caught in our personal sinfulness. But that is not a frightening proposition either. We have in Christ the maximum richness of forgiveness. Let’s face it, our generation may be more technological than any before it. But we have not come up with any sins that Christ has not seen and heard before. Let us not shy from seeking and enjoying His forgiveness. Let us look forward to celebrating the anniversary of his first coming this Christmas and let us look forward to his return. Doing our part as we are called and trusting Christ for all the things that are beyond us.
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